book.

In his debut book, BMI-award winning songwriter and musician Murphy Karges (founding bassist of Sugar Ray) breaks down the basics needed to become a great bass player and musician.

Part musical toolbox, part rollicking storybook, Murphy offers up his 35+ years of experience to show you how to gain the skillset needed to grasp the intangibles of the craft. You’ll learn the essential notes, understand how modern songs are constructed, grow your confidence, identify the important people in your life, learn how to communicate, gain the power to create without fear, and even embark on writing songs of your own.  

Simple, comprehensive, and often hilarious, Basics for Bassists is an engaging workbook that will compel you to jump on your bass, slap your amp’s power button and start chasing down your dreams.   

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What others are saying

  • “My bass brother Murphy Karges has put together an enjoyable and comprehensive book for beginners – a great place to start!”

    Mike Inez, Alice in Chains, Ozzy

  • “I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid! Murphy takes you on a fun and personal journey through the BASS-ics that anyone with a desire to learn the bass would be smart to start with.”

    -Justin Bivona, The Interrupers

  • Paul Gray

    "It's a rollicking good read!"

    -Paul Gray, The Damned, Eddit & The Hot Rods, UFO

  • “Murphy’s experience as a performer and now educator shines through every page, offering invaluable insights and techniques for both novice and seasoned bassists alike.

    Jason Freese, Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Walsh

  • “Wow! Murphy has written an outstanding book. there’s an awful lot of good information in here. I got to see him up close playing some massive gigs and I can attest that he knows a thing or two, ‘cos he’s seen a thing or two.”

    Arion Salazar, Third Eye Blind

  • “A must-read for anyone thinking about picking up a bass.”

    Greg Camp, Grammy Award-nominated Songwriter, Film Music Composer, and Music Producer, founding guitarist and primary songwriter, Smash Mouth.

  • “This book really delivers! Real world applications from an experienced Rock Star with everything you would need to become a gigging musician.”

    Marty Schwartz, Marty Music, #1 Guitar Teacher on YouTube

  • “Basics For Bassists makes it so much fun to learn everything you want and need to know about the bass guitar. Besides the incredibly informative lessons, Murph’s hilarious anecdotes made me laugh out loud… I simply couldn’t put it down.”

    Steve DeStanislao, David Gilmour, David Crosby, Crosby, Stills & Nash

  • “Murph gives you the nuts and bolts of bass design all the way to having tunes on heavy radio rotation and playing for huge crowds. If you are just bass curious or have been playing for a few years there are many insights here to help you reach the next level and discover your own voice and mission.”

    -Steve Fossen, Founding bassist of Heart, Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Member

  • “Murphy has successfully created not just an easy-to-follow, step by step comprehensive tutorial… but a wonderful and completely engaging personal journey as well. I wish I had this when I was 13.”

    -Paul DeLisle, Smash Mouth

  • “As a self-taught musician, I wish I had this book as a primer when I snuck into my big sister's bedroom to practice on her guitar. With just the right amount of theory, professional tips, inspirational influences, and band history. This book isn’t just perfect for beginners, but for early songwriters and career minded musicians as well.”

    Burke Thomas, Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Vendetta Red, Roger Fisher

  • “Informative and fun. I literally laughed out loud. Murphy breaks it down to the absolute basics. Not only for [learning] the bass, but for other important subjects like; “Understanding Your Role” or “Meeting People”. I highly recommend this book.”

    -Kevin Baldes, Lit

  • “Quite possibly the most entertaining, helpful and realistic book about being a musician and bassist ever. Basics for Bassists is everything you wanted to know about being in a band, songwriting and playing bass... but were afraid to ask! The book is as fun (and funny), smart, and compelling as its author. A great read even for the non-player.”

    -Katherine Turman, SPIN, Village Voice, author “Louder Than Hell”

  • "Rife with anecdotes and musings, Basics for Bassists will put you ahead of the game and immune to a lot of bad decision making."

    -Kelli Scott, Failure

  • “Murphy teaches valuable fretboard knowledge with practical theory that is fun and easily digestible”

    Steve Araujo, The Bass Hang, G&L Guitars